At least two people have died and 10 others injured after a petroleum tanker overturned and exploded along the Eldoret-Webuye Road near Paul Boit Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County.
The incident happened on Thursday night, September 17, triggering a major emergency response as firefighters, police, Kenya Red Cross and county ambulance teams rushed to the scene.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Wilberforce Sichirani confirmed that two bodies had been recovered, with search and recovery operations continuing to establish the full extent of the casualties.
The victims who died were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, while several survivors suffered serious burns and were rushed to hospitals, including Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
The Kenya Red Cross classified the incident as a mass casualty event and said its teams were responding alongside the Kenya Police and firefighters.
“A mass casualty incident has occurred along the Eldoret-Webuye Road near Paul Boit Secondary School, following a petroleum tanker explosion,” the organisation said.
In a subsequent update, the Red Cross said 10 casualties had been evacuated to various hospitals through a coordinated response involving well-wishers, county ambulance services, firefighters and its emergency teams.
Preliminary reports indicate that the tanker had overturned before some residents gathered at the scene to collect leaking fuel. The explosion reportedly occurred as people were around the tanker, although police were yet to establish the exact cause of the fire.
The explosion also disrupted traffic along the busy highway as emergency teams worked to secure the scene and evacuate the victims.
Motorists were urged to avoid the affected section of the Eldoret-Webuye Road to give emergency responders unhindered access.
Police said investigations were ongoing as authorities continued assessing the scene and determining whether there were additional casualties.